Save A hearty, budget-friendly pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and earthy mushrooms tossed with fusilli in a light, savory sauce.
I first made this pasta on a rainy night when I wanted something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onions, and earthy mushrooms instantly became a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Dairy: 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Fusilli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Crisp Bacon:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return bacon to the skillet. Add drained fusilli and toss well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Save My family loves gathering around the table for this pasta, as everyone can help toss in extra cheese and pick their favorite topping. It brings smiles and cheerful conversation every time.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Pasta contains wheat, Parmesan contains milk, bacon contains pork. Double-check for gluten or dairy if using substitutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 460, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 17 g
Save This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for sharing. Enjoy every forkful with your favorite wine or a simple salad.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fusilli is ideal due to its spiral shape, which holds the sauce and ingredients well, enhancing each bite.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and increase the mushrooms or add sautéed zucchini for similar texture and flavor depth.
- → What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?
Adding reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky and well-coated finish.
- → Can I substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, smoked pancetta offers a richer, nuanced flavor that complements the mushrooms and onions beautifully.
- → What cheese enhances this dish best?
Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty touch that enriches the savory elements and ties the dish together.